Federal Legislation
The federal government oversees certain aspects of water quality in Canada through regulations that ensure the safety of drinking water and environmental protection.
Key Legislation:
- Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA): Establishes guidelines for water pollution and contaminants.
- Canada Water Act: Governs the conservation, development, and use of Canada’s water resources.
- Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Developed by Health Canada to set maximum allowable concentrations for various substances in water.
For more details, visit the Government of Canada’s Water Quality page.
Ontario
Ontario has strict regulations governing water quality to ensure public safety.
Key Legislation:
- Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002: This act mandates requirements for the treatment and distribution of drinking water.
- Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA): Focuses on the management and protection of the province’s water resources.
- Clean Water Act, 2006: Supports the protection of water sources in Ontario through watershed-based planning.
Learn more on the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks website.
Quebec
In Quebec, regulations are aimed at protecting both surface and groundwater from contamination.
Key Legislation:
- Environment Quality Act: Governs the quality of water bodies and drinking water in Quebec.
- Regulation respecting the quality of drinking water (Règlement sur la qualité de l’eau potable): Sets the minimum requirements for water quality in the province.
- Sustainable Development Act: Promotes sustainable use of Quebec’s water resources.
Details are available on the Quebec Environment Ministry’s website.
British Columbia
BC’s water quality laws ensure that drinking water sources are protected, and water systems are regularly monitored.
Key Legislation:
- Drinking Water Protection Act: Establishes the requirements for drinking water systems and operators.
- Water Sustainability Act: Focuses on the sustainable management of water resources, including groundwater.
- Environmental Management Act: Addresses the protection of water from pollution.
Visit the BC Government Water Management website.
Alberta
Alberta’s water management laws ensure the safety of drinking water and address the protection of its water bodies.
Key Legislation:
- Water Act: Focuses on the conservation and management of water resources.
- Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA): Sets standards for drinking water quality and wastewater management.
- Drinking Water Regulation: Governs the treatment and distribution of potable water in the province.
More info can be found on the Alberta Environment and Parks website.
Manitoba
Manitoba regulates its water supply to ensure safe drinking water for all residents.
Key Legislation:
- Drinking Water Safety Act: Establishes requirements for the treatment and distribution of potable water.
- Water Protection Act: Promotes the protection and stewardship of Manitoba’s water sources.
- Environment Act: Focuses on the protection of water from pollution.
Visit the Manitoba Water Stewardship website.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s laws aim to protect drinking water through regulation and monitoring.
Key Legislation:
- Water Security Agency Act: Establishes the Water Security Agency to manage water resources and supply.
- Environmental Management and Protection Act: Focuses on preventing and managing water pollution.
- Drinking Water Regulations: Enforce quality standards for water treatment systems.
More details on the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency website.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s laws ensure that water quality is monitored, and systems are maintained.
Key Legislation:
- Environment Act: Governs water protection and water quality monitoring in Nova Scotia.
- Drinking Water Regulations: Sets minimum requirements for the treatment of potable water.
- Water for Life Strategy: Focuses on long-term sustainable management of water.
More information can be found on the Nova Scotia Environment website.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick’s water management laws ensure clean and safe drinking water.
Key Legislation:
- Clean Water Act: Governs water protection and quality in the province.
- Water Quality Regulation: Sets the standards for drinking water quality.
- Wellfield Protected Area Designation Order: Establishes areas for source water protection.
Visit the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government.
Newfoundland and Labrador
This province protects water resources and ensures access to safe drinking water.
Key Legislation:
- Water Resources Act: Focuses on the conservation and management of water resources.
- Environmental Protection Act: Addresses the protection of water from pollutants.
- Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Regulations: Sets standards for water quality and monitoring.
More details at the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Environment.
Prince Edward Island
PEI’s water regulations ensure the protection of water sources and safe drinking water.
Key Legislation:
- Water Act: Governs the use and protection of water resources in PEI.
- Drinking Water and Wastewater Facility Operating Regulations: Establish standards for water treatment and wastewater systems.
Visit the PEI Environment, Water and Climate Change website.
Northwest Territories
The NWT government oversees water quality protection through stringent laws and monitoring.
Key Legislation:
- Waters Act: Provides for the management and protection of the NWT’s water resources.
- Public Health Act: Sets standards for drinking water safety.
Visit the NWT Environment and Natural Resources website.
Yukon
Yukon’s water laws ensure safe and sustainable water use.
Key Legislation:
- Waters Act: Governs the regulation and protection of water resources.
- Public Health and Safety Act: Addresses the safety of drinking water.
Learn more on the Yukon Government’s Environment website.
Nunavut
Nunavut’s water regulations ensure clean drinking water for all communities.
Key Legislation:
- Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act: Oversees the regulation and use of water resources.
- Public Health Act: Focuses on the protection of drinking water quality.
Visit the Government of Nunavut’s Health Department website.